Seprona agents' discomfort: "Mountains are not cleaned and 2026 is a complicated year"

In July 2026, a unique approach to wildfire prevention emerged in the village of Gondomar, Pontevedra, where local residents have turned to livestock farming as part of their efforts to combat recurring wildfires. Since 2025, 28 agile cattle known locally as vacas-cabra, named for their ability to navigate rugged terrain and adapt to varied diets, have been grazing on 678 hectares of land within the community-managed forest area of Vincios. These animals are accompanied by goats and sheep, which graze among pine and eucalyptus trees. The initiative began after a devastating fire in 2017 destroyed 82% of the forest, prompting the neighborhood to rethink its management strategy. José Taboada, coordinator of the communal forest, stated that this method offers both economic and environmental benefits, serving as a practical solution to reduce the risk of future fires. The current wildfire season has been particularly severe, with multiple incidents reported across Spain. In early July, firefighters battled an intense blaze near Burgohondo, in Mijares, Ávila, where crews worked tirelessly to contain the flames. The situation has raised concerns among officials, especially within the Spanish National Police’s Environmental Protection Service (Seprona), a unit specializing in combating illegal activities and managing natural disasters. Agents from Seprona expressed frustration over the lack of preventive measures, noting that the accumulation of vegetation following winter rains had created ideal conditions for rapid fire spread. They emphasized that the failure to maintain regular clearing operations during the off-season has contributed significantly to the intensity of recent blazes. According to reports, the Seprona team believes that the government and local authorities have consistently prioritized reactive rather than proactive strategies. Many agents, with decades of field experience, argue that the absence of sustained maintenance work during the colder months leaves forests vulnerable. One officer remarked, “The mountains aren’t being cleaned. No one works there, and this year was particularly difficult.” This sentiment reflects a growing sense of urgency among environmental experts who stress that effective wildfire prevention requires continuous effort throughout the year, not just during peak fire seasons. A key factor contributing to the severity of the current fire wave is the excessive growth of vegetation caused by heavy rainfall in the preceding months. While the increased plant life might seem beneficial, it has instead become a dangerous fuel source. Seprona specialists explain that this unchecked growth occurred without corresponding efforts to clear underbrush and remove deadwood, leading to a buildup of flammable material. With rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells, this biomass has proven highly susceptible to ignition, resulting in more frequent and intense outbreaks. As the firefighting teams continue their efforts, the Seprona unit is also preparing to investigate the origins of several fires. Their role includes identifying the exact point of origin, analyzing physical evidence, and compiling technical reports that will determine whether each incident was intentional, negligent, or accidental. In one case involving a fire in Ávila, a suspect claimed he was using agricultural machinery to relocate equipment. However, two witnesses told investigators that the individual had been working in the area for days, constructing paths through the terrain. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of determining responsibility in such cases, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement in distinguishing between human activity and natural causes. The ongoing crisis underscores the need for long-term, sustainable approaches to forest management. As communities and agencies grapple with the consequences of past neglect, the focus is shifting toward integrated solutions that combine ecological awareness with practical labor. The success of initiatives like the livestock grazing program in Gondomar suggests that innovative methods can play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with wildfires. Yet, the broader challenge remains: ensuring that these efforts are supported by consistent policy, adequate funding, and widespread public engagement.